Administrative History | The Aberdeen Police Act of 1795 had established Police Commissioner for the burgh of Aberdeen, with powers to provide a police force, and also with responsibility for the cleansing, paving and lighting of the city. They also had oversight over drainage, sewers and water supplies. As the 19th century progressed, the Commissioners responsibilities widened to include the control of epidemics and infectious disease (under the Public Health Act 1867), the regulation of lodging houses, and the regulation of businesses such as hackney cabs and slaughterhouses. They were funded by rates.
See Deborah Brunton, Health, Comfort and Convenience: Public Health and the Scottish Police Commissions, 1800–70, Scottish Archives 2011 Volume 17 |